most powerful flathead...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
There are still plenty of flatmotors out there. What I have observed, however is that they are becoming more of a collectors item, than being used for driveable vehicles.
Every one complains about the cost of building a flatmotor.
Take a look at the cost of some of the built crate motors out there. Yes I know that a built Man o War Small Block Ford 427 Cu. In. Will produce a whole bunch more Hp. But it's NOT a Flathead.
To get a good running Flathead, you don't need all the polished Bunny FooFoo stuff, 4" crank, cam, Shaved Heads, bored, 4 barrel carb, clean up the ports, and you'll have a head turned.
Listen to that sound clip again, imagine oprning the hood and seeing a stock appearing Flatmotor with a 4bbl. Thats when the response is "sh** what the He** is that thing".
Every one complains about the cost of building a flatmotor.
Take a look at the cost of some of the built crate motors out there. Yes I know that a built Man o War Small Block Ford 427 Cu. In. Will produce a whole bunch more Hp. But it's NOT a Flathead.
To get a good running Flathead, you don't need all the polished Bunny FooFoo stuff, 4" crank, cam, Shaved Heads, bored, 4 barrel carb, clean up the ports, and you'll have a head turned.
Listen to that sound clip again, imagine oprning the hood and seeing a stock appearing Flatmotor with a 4bbl. Thats when the response is "sh** what the He** is that thing".
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Highwood, Montana
No kidding, the comments from surprised people will be one the best things about running a flathead....
And another thing that would sure make my day...beating one of those little foriegn cars with a muffler the size of a sewer pipe hanging out the back. Those things drive me nuts...Although, I better not get too cocky, I'm not so positive I could beat one of those little cars from stoplight to stoplight...haha. It sure would be fun to try though....
Gary
And another thing that would sure make my day...beating one of those little foriegn cars with a muffler the size of a sewer pipe hanging out the back. Those things drive me nuts...Although, I better not get too cocky, I'm not so positive I could beat one of those little cars from stoplight to stoplight...haha. It sure would be fun to try though....
Gary
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
What do you guys think of those French blocks Flathead Jack sells. I see he is also offering a complete Flathead engine kit. Seems like most of the guys are spending that much on the rebuilds anyhow.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
I haven't seen a French block in person, that said I know of several people on the Flathead sites that have them and I haven't heard any real complaints about them.
Myself the "Chase" is half the fun, I go around the area and look in old fields, check out the older bone yards, Find some Old Farts (If I'm calling them old, most would call them dead.) and Hunker and spit with them awile. Eventually I'll have another stash of flatmotors to go through.
If I was a rich as I am goodlooking I'd just throw some money at somebody to get one already built, but then again I wouldn't really be happy with it.
If I were building a new OHV motor I'd start with the block and build it up myself.
Speaking of which, the 289/302 Ford Small block has come along way since the mid 60's. Now with an aftermarket block you can go from 302 - 427 with massive HP and Torque. You can even hide the 427 under 289 stock valve covers and oil pan, now thats cool.
I noticed that when I drive a flathead power ride I'm leaning forward in the seat just looking for a fight. Just like when I was a punka**** kid, woops I still am.
Myself the "Chase" is half the fun, I go around the area and look in old fields, check out the older bone yards, Find some Old Farts (If I'm calling them old, most would call them dead.) and Hunker and spit with them awile. Eventually I'll have another stash of flatmotors to go through.
If I was a rich as I am goodlooking I'd just throw some money at somebody to get one already built, but then again I wouldn't really be happy with it.
If I were building a new OHV motor I'd start with the block and build it up myself.
Speaking of which, the 289/302 Ford Small block has come along way since the mid 60's. Now with an aftermarket block you can go from 302 - 427 with massive HP and Torque. You can even hide the 427 under 289 stock valve covers and oil pan, now thats cool.
I noticed that when I drive a flathead power ride I'm leaning forward in the seat just looking for a fight. Just like when I was a punka**** kid, woops I still am.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
If your on a budget, a cool flathead is not the motor for you. As for reliable horsepower, a warmed street engine is usually 150-175 Hp, 200 is the upper end for reliable, streetable perfromance. (non supercharged, ofcorse)
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Highwood, Montana
Originally Posted by 4tl8ford
I noticed that when I drive a flathead power ride I'm leaning forward in the seat just looking for a fight.
(although, I must admit I did pay someone to build mine, just don't know enough about engine building to trust myself to practice on my one good flathead block...)Gary
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
From: Milpitas, CA; Tyler, TX
Originally Posted by 51ford fan
Anyone know what the highest amount of reliable horsepower/torque one can expect out of a Flathead built to be driven on the street. One that will be built with an eye on a budget.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Centrl San Joaquin Valley
The sound clip is great! I just this week got my 59 AB running. 3/8 by 3/8 with a 400 jr. plus everything else I could think of from my yutt. 4 stromberg 97's and the late style MSD ignition. I finally found a serpentine pulley setup for a flathead. Now if I can just get the 4 strombergs to idle everything will be great.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Centrl San Joaquin Valley
serpentine
I happened to stumble on a site, Roadrunner Engineering from New Mexico. The owners name is Joe Abbin and he is the friendliest person you'll ever talk to. His main business is blowers for flatheads. I bought the 2 waterpump pulleys, the crank pulley and an alternator with the bracket and pulley. They come all either chrome or polished. Also the hubs for the pulleys. The only thing I need now is a blower. That will come when I get tired of messing with the 4, 97's.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Highwood, Montana
Cool. I've checked out their site before, looks like nice stuff. What was the cost to do this? Also, what did you do for a tensioner? Can I see some pics? (sorry about all the questions....)
THanks,
Gary
THanks,
Gary
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Centrl San Joaquin Valley
Pulleys
Gary,
I can't seem to find the tag but the total was $650, more or less, but that included the Alternator and bracket which were about $220, I think. After spending $450 for rods and $450 for heads and $280 for head studs,washers and nuts, along with all of the other parts, you tend to lose the tags. As for the tensioner, I haven't crossed that hurdle yet. I'm running it with the crank,two water pumps and an idler I made that is mounted where the generator is supposed to go. The belt forms a perfect triangle. I'm using the stock radiator with an electric fan. It seems to work O.K. I don't know how to send a picture but if you send me an email address, I'll send you some.
Jim
I can't seem to find the tag but the total was $650, more or less, but that included the Alternator and bracket which were about $220, I think. After spending $450 for rods and $450 for heads and $280 for head studs,washers and nuts, along with all of the other parts, you tend to lose the tags. As for the tensioner, I haven't crossed that hurdle yet. I'm running it with the crank,two water pumps and an idler I made that is mounted where the generator is supposed to go. The belt forms a perfect triangle. I'm using the stock radiator with an electric fan. It seems to work O.K. I don't know how to send a picture but if you send me an email address, I'll send you some.
Jim
